Collocations about Knowledge

47 Collocations about Knowledge (with Meanings and Examples)

Hello English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. Collocations are words that naturally go together in English. Learning them helps you sound more fluent, precise, and confident when speaking and writing. Today, we are focusing on collocations about knowledge, which are extremely useful when discussing education, work, learning, and academic topics. These expressions frequently appear in Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced exams, especially in essays, reports, and speaking tasks.

Let’s explore them together.

Collocations about Learning and Gaining Knowledge

Apply knowledge

Meaning: to use what you have learned in a practical situation.

• She applied her knowledge of mathematics to solve the complex problem.
• Students should learn how to apply knowledge in real-life situations.

Gain knowledge

Meaning: to acquire new information or understanding.

• She went to university to gain knowledge in her chosen field.
• Reading regularly is a great way to gain knowledge.

Background knowledge

Meaning: information or experience someone already has.

• His background knowledge of history helped him understand the lecture.
• Teachers often check students’ background knowledge before starting a new topic.

Prior knowledge

Meaning: knowledge someone already has before learning something new.

• Her prior knowledge of biology helped her understand the advanced course.
• Teachers often build lessons on students’ prior knowledge.

Basic knowledge

Meaning: fundamental understanding of a subject.

• Everyone should have basic knowledge of first aid.
• The course provides basic knowledge of computer programming.

Limited knowledge

Meaning: not having much understanding of a subject.

• She had limited knowledge of the topic but wanted to learn more.
• Many people have limited knowledge of financial planning.

Sufficient knowledge

Meaning: enough understanding to complete a task successfully.

• He has sufficient knowledge to pass the exam.
• Employees must have sufficient knowledge of safety procedures.

Collocations That Describe Level or Depth of Knowledge

Deep knowledge

Meaning: thorough and detailed understanding.

• Her deep knowledge of literature impressed her colleagues.
• Researchers require deep knowledge of their subject.

Extensive knowledge

Meaning: wide and detailed understanding.

• He has extensive knowledge of digital marketing.
• Her extensive knowledge of languages helps her work internationally.

Vast knowledge

Meaning: extremely broad and wide-ranging understanding.

• The professor has vast knowledge of world history.
• His vast knowledge makes him an excellent mentor.

Thorough knowledge

Meaning: complete and careful understanding.

• The doctor has thorough knowledge of human anatomy.
• Engineers must develop thorough knowledge of safety systems.

Superior knowledge

Meaning: higher level of understanding compared to others.

• His superior knowledge of strategy helped the team win.
• Experienced professionals often have superior knowledge of their field.

Working knowledge

Meaning: practical understanding sufficient for everyday use.

• She has a working knowledge of French.
• Many jobs require a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

Collocations about Types of Knowledge

Practical knowledge

Meaning: knowledge gained through experience and real-life practice.

• His practical knowledge of carpentry was invaluable during the renovation.
• Apprenticeships help students develop practical knowledge.

Theoretical knowledge

Meaning: knowledge based on theory rather than practice.

• He has strong theoretical knowledge but lacks hands-on experience.
• University courses often focus on theoretical knowledge.

Technical knowledge

Meaning: understanding of technical systems or processes.

• The mechanic’s technical knowledge solved the problem quickly.
• IT professionals need strong technical knowledge.

Scientific knowledge

Meaning: knowledge based on scientific research and evidence.

• Scientific knowledge has improved healthcare significantly.
• Scientists aim to expand scientific knowledge through research.

Specialist knowledge

Meaning: expert understanding in a specific field.

• Her specialist knowledge of genetics is highly respected.
• Some careers require specialist knowledge.

Specialized knowledge

Meaning: knowledge focused on a particular area.

• The job requires specialized knowledge of financial law.
• Medical professionals need specialized knowledge.

Subject knowledge

Meaning: understanding of a specific academic subject.

• Teachers must demonstrate strong subject knowledge.
• Subject knowledge helps students succeed academically.

Language knowledge

Meaning: understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and language structure.

• His language knowledge allows him to communicate fluently.
• Language knowledge improves career opportunities.

Historical knowledge

Meaning: understanding of past events and historical context.

• His historical knowledge helped him write an excellent article.
• Historical knowledge helps people understand modern society.

Medical knowledge

Meaning: understanding of healthcare and medicine.

• Her medical knowledge helped during the emergency.
• Medical knowledge is essential for healthcare workers.

Musical knowledge

Meaning: understanding of music theory and performance.

• His musical knowledge made him an outstanding conductor.
• Musical knowledge helps performers interpret compositions.

Traditional knowledge

Meaning: knowledge passed down through generations.

• Indigenous communities preserve valuable traditional knowledge.
• Traditional knowledge often includes natural medicine practices.

Collocations about Sharing and Managing Knowledge

Impart knowledge

Meaning: to teach or share knowledge.

• Teachers aim to impart knowledge and inspire students.
• Mentors impart knowledge through guidance.

Share knowledge

Meaning: to exchange or distribute information.

• Experts gathered to share knowledge at the conference.
• Successful teams share knowledge openly.

Knowledge transfer

Meaning: passing knowledge from one person or organisation to another.

• The workshop focused on knowledge transfer between departments.
• Knowledge transfer is important when experienced employees retire.

Knowledge management

Meaning: organising and managing information within an organisation.

• Effective knowledge management improves productivity.
• Companies invest heavily in knowledge management systems.

Transmit knowledge

Meaning: to pass knowledge from one generation or group to another.

• Parents transmit knowledge through life experience.
• Education helps transmit knowledge to future generations.

Collocations about Possessing or Using Knowledge

Possess knowledge

Meaning: to have knowledge.

• She possesses deep knowledge of environmental science.
• Experienced managers possess valuable leadership knowledge.

Full knowledge

Meaning: complete awareness or understanding.

• The decision was made with full knowledge of the risks.
• Employees signed the contract with full knowledge of company policies.

Lack knowledge

Meaning: to not have enough understanding.

• Many people lack knowledge about personal finance.
• Without training, workers may lack knowledge of safety procedures.

Necessary knowledge

Meaning: knowledge required for a specific task or job.

• Doctors must have the necessary knowledge to diagnose patients.
• The course provides the necessary knowledge for beginners.

Require knowledge

Meaning: when a task or job needs knowledge to be completed.

• The role requires knowledge of programming languages.
• Teaching requires knowledge of educational methods.

Collocations about Sources or Special Access to Knowledge

Inside knowledge

Meaning: confidential or exclusive information.

• She had inside knowledge of the company’s plans.
• Inside knowledge can sometimes provide unfair advantages.

Insider knowledge

Meaning: information known only by members of a group.

• His insider knowledge helped him understand company decisions.
• Insider knowledge is valuable in business negotiations.

Local knowledge

Meaning: knowledge specific to a particular area.

• The guide’s local knowledge made the tour fascinating.
• Local knowledge helps businesses understand customer needs.

Source of knowledge

Meaning: where knowledge comes from.

• Libraries remain an important source of knowledge.
• The internet has become a major source of knowledge.

Final Tip for Learners

When talking about education or learning, try to avoid repeating the word knowledge on its own. Instead, use natural combinations such as gain knowledge, apply knowledge, deep knowledge, practical knowledge, specialist knowledge or working knowledge.

Using collocations about knowledge will make your English sound more natural, precise, and advanced.

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